Editorial

 Micro- and nanomechatronics are soon to give a tremendous boost to the process of miniaturization. Gaining the ability to precisely control atoms, molecules and objects on nanometre scale, it will be possible to build devices and systems now difficult to even imagine. Nanotechnology is able to contribute to a greater efficiency of mechatronic systems, safety, reduced energy consumption and miniaturization.
The deployment of nanotechnology will also elevate the efficiency of manufacturing. Nanotechnology will make it possible in the future to build various nanosensors, while the microelectromechanic systems (MEMS) will migrate to the domain of nanoelectromechanic systems (NEMS) as nanotechnology is integrated. Janez Škrlec 

 The article describes a manual assembly process using intelligent inputs, assembly cell design and assembly process evaluation methods to ensure product quality and traceability, ergonomy, productivity and work safety. Electronic screwdrivers, 2D-code engraved on subassemblies and machine vision were the intelligent inputs used in the pilot implementation of an assembly cell in company Poclain Hydraulics, d. o. o. As more experience is gathered, these inputs will also be embedded in other assembly cells, helping to optimize other manufacturing processes as well.
Poclain Hydraulics, d. o. o. from Žiri offers a wide palette of hydraulic valves for open and closed circuits, as well as special valves and blocks. The assemblies are relatively complex, demanding a high quality level both in manufacturing and in assembly and operational tests, as well as necessitating the flexibility in variable, small-batch, manual assembly processes.   

 In previous issues we have discussed what are the composites, their basics and some manufacturing processes. Once resin polymerises to form the final product filling a cavity/mould, the product must be removed from the mould properly.
This would be impossible without first preparing the mould with special chemicals known as the mould-release agents. These coatings prevent the product from sticking to the mould surface. Different mould-release agents are used according to the type of mould material, and mould-release agents also differ in heat treatment. Products that solidify at high temperatures usually require a completely different mould-release agent than products that solidify at room temperature.   

 ABB, the leading provider of turnkey automation solutions, presents its latest innovation: FlexMT. It is a standardized, yet flexible robotic solution that sets new standards in automation of manufacturing processes and improves the utilization of machines by up to 60 percent.
It is available in two variants: FlexMT 20 (20 kg/reach 1,65 m) and FlexMT 60 (60 kg/reach 2,05 m). FlexMT’s robot controller is fully integrated into the control cabinet. FlexMT is a well tested engineering solution and a reliable solution for automation. Mihael Debevec 

 The number of glass-fibre reinforced polymer products is increasing. The need for strength analyses of such products is also on the rise. Glass-fibre reinforced polymeric products exhibit orthotropic material properties, which are often neglected or simplified and this leads to inadequate results of strength analyses.
The article presents a concrete example to underscore the need to consider glass-fibre orientation in mechanical analyses. The results of numerical analyses accounting and not accounting for the orthotropy and orientation are presented, and the results are compared to experimental tests.   

 Haas Automation, the largest manufacturer of CNC-machines in North America, has partnered with Scuderia Ferrari, the most successful team in the history of Formula 1.
The cooperation began with the 65. British Grand Prix in Silverstone. Haas Automation is featured on the lower sidepods of the Ferraris driven by Fernando Alonso and Kimi Räikkönen, two Formula 1 World Champions. Haas Automation logos will stay on the vehicles throughout the remaining 2014 Formula 1 season and for the whole 2015 season. 

Year by year, the toolmaking technology and the buyers of castings are displaying harder demands. In order to meet these demands and achieve the best quality, our company has acquired a GOM ATOS 3D-measurement optical camera. With this camera, we are able to measure surfaces and to compare theoretical 3D-models.
It is commonly used in the design departments, tool shops, foundries and manufacturing departments. ATOS Professional software provides us with plenty of possibilities for data processing. We are able to measure deviations from theoretical values, wall thickness, position of holes and cylinders, perpendicularity, symmetry ... Matej Samec 

 Company growth is often interpreted as expanding the working premises and hiring new staff. Hiring and expansion are in fact really a consequence of blooming supply and demand. Often however, not enough attention is given to CAD- and CAM-systems, the pillars of every mechanical engineering company.
We will focus on the providers of sheet-metal cutting services. The company's workflow begins with an order. The orders are forwarded to the technologist, who classifies them according to the material and delivery date (this often involves a pile of paper accumulating on their desk). The technologist than finds and loads CAD-files, recorded on the work order, and uses software to nest the products on an appropriate piece of sheet metal.   

The depletion of resources has already led to inflating prices of oil, gas and metals, soon to be accompanied by the most precious recourse – water. New solutions are necessary to ensure economic growth under the terms of reduced consumption and improved environmental protection.
The world population rises by about 80 million every year – the population of Germany. In 2030, there are going to be 1,4 billion people more on Earth. The United Nations estimate 9,3 billion of people will be living on Earth in 2050, i. e. 2,3 billion more than today, and most of them in developing countries and on emerging markets. Esad Jakupović 

 Lorch is revolutionising electrode welding with the new MicorStick welding source, enabling battery-powered welding in the field. MicorStick welding sources are able to operate connected to the mains, or to a separate Mobile-Power 1 battery system.
MicorStick 160 is a capable single-phase welding source, offering all features of other Micor inverters used in industrial applications, repairs and structural welding.